Hong Kong-based photographer Derry Ainsworth’s debut photobook, Highs & Lows, documents top-down views of the city over a span of more than a decade.
An aerial photograph of North Point, taken in 2018. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
An aerial photograph of Richland Gardens, Kowloon Bay, taken in 2019. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
An aerial photograph of Kowloon Bay, taken in 2019. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
The aerial pictures capture not only mundane urban elements like housing blocks and freeways but also beaches and small islands from an unusual bird’s-eye perspective.
“I think Hong Kong probably has some of the world’s best and most interesting top-down views. I think these views are so unique to Hong Kong, due to the sheer density of the city, mixed in with [the] close proximity of natural landscape,” says Ainsworth.
An aerial photograph of Stonecutters Bridge, taken in 2019. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
Since moving to Hong Kong from the UK in 2014, Ainsworth has had to further train his eye for composition. “To find something visually appealing, you have to look past the density and really look for interesting shapes, repetition or contrasts,” he said.
An aerial photograph of Kennedy Town, taken in 2020. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
“I think with aerial photos, it’s very easy to just shoot any view and rely on the general outlook for a nice photo. But to make something remarkable, you need to focus on your composition and subjects.”
An aerial photograph of Mei Foo, taken in 2021. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
An aerial photograph of Whampoa Garden, taken in 2025. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
An aerial view of a Hong Kong night market. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
In his 11 years in the city, Ainsworth has seen additions to the skyline, new housing estates, and some new infrastructure builds. “But the older neighbourhoods have visually remained the same, and actually make for some of the most interesting subjects.”
An aerial photograph of Shek O, taken in 2023. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
An aerial photograph of Mei Foo, taken in 2025. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
Sham Shui Po and the Yau Tsim Mong district are among his favourites.
“I do a lot of street photography and I can walk those neighbourhoods week after week and keep discovering something new and interesting to photograph,” he said.
“There’s something about the everyday scenes of life in Hong Kong that I’m so drawn to capturing,” Ainsworth added. “I really enjoy it.”
An aerial photograph of Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, taken in 2019. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
The photographer also credited his architecture training with helping him develop a keen eye for what he called “urban perspectives.”
“Hong Kong also presents a striking contrast between modern and old urban areas, and the city’s raw patterns and textures truly come to life from above,“ he said.
An aerial photograph of Aberdeen, taken in 2024. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
An aerial photograph of Wong Chuk Hang, taken in 2024. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
“I’ve spent a big part of my life documenting this city in my own unique way, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
An aerial photograph of Fairview Park, Yuen Long, taken in 2025. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
An aerial photograph of Central, taken in 2020. Photo: Derry Ainsworth.
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